“Happy Birthday to You” at center of copyright suit

A universally familiar tune is the subject of an unusual copyright battle.

Yesterday, Jennifer Nelson, a documentary producer, sued the publishing arm of Warner Music Group for claiming it owns the copyright to “Happy Birthday to You,” the most recognized song in the English language. Nelson is directing a film about the song and had to pay a $1,500 licensing fee to use it.

Nelson’s suit claims “Happy Birthday to You” has been in the public domain since 1921; it seeks class action status on behalf of anyone who has had to pay a royalty to use the song in the past four years.